The Story of Lumina Village, Chapter 1 - The wandering warrior

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[It has been years since you've left your kingdom. You've been wandering from city to city, village to village, but you could never find a place to belong. Eventually you find yourself in a strange magical land. Wandering through the forest, you stumble across a small village, the small sign reads "Welcome to Lumina Village". It is a small village, and there doesn't seem to be many people around. While you continue to study your surroundings, you hear some footsteps behind you and turn around. You see a beautiful young lady with blue hair, accompanied by a young man with brown hair. Upon seeing you, the young man steps forward.]

-He places himself between you and Tsuki, a little wary of your presence- My name is Eliot, and beside me is Tsuki Lumina, the village chief. Who are you? -He asks-

before the two people stands a traveler, you can see it by the dirt on his clothes and face, along with an unkept beard; but beneath all of his hair and dirt his pair of eyes, the same color as the sky look at you with a peaceful yet tired expression Greetings, my name is Akira. Don't worry, I don't wish any harm on you nor this village a broad sword dangle from his belt, along some other equipment kept in a large backpack I'm just looking for a place to sleep, and possibly a nice bath... I think that you can see that has passed a lot of time from the last village that I visited ahah

-Eliot tries to say something, but is cut off by Tsuki- It's okay. -She whispers to him- Welcome to my village, Akira. As you can see we are just a small tiny village, but if you're looking for a place to stay, you've come to the right place! -She proudly exclaims- Well first, let us head into my home, where we can talk. -The lady in blue escorts you to her small cottage, one look and you can tell that it's a very old house, yet it still remains clean and tidy. She turns over to Eliot, gesturing for him to leave, before bringing you into her home. Upon entering, you notice that it is filled with books, random magical artifacts, portraits of what looks to be her family. She brings you to the dining table, letting you take a seat before offering you a glass of water, as she seats across you- You must be tired, please, make yourself comfortable. This is my home.

You have an amazing home Ms. Lumina, I must thank you for your hospitality he stands up, uncertain and a bit embarrassed are you sure that I can sit here? I don't want to soil your furniture with my rags he still takes the glass, and starts drinking

It's alright, I don't mind, after all, you're my guest. And you can just call me Tsuki. No need to be so formal. -She glances at you and thinks to herself- Hmmm, I wonder though, what has brought you to these lands? We rarely see any travelers passing by here nowadays.

Then thank you, Tsuki he sits on the chair next yours and starts mumbling to himself to be honest I'm not from this place, so I don't have any geographic notions that can help you. As for the reason... Let's just say that I wanted to see more of this world and what it can offer. And I had the fortune to stumble near this village, it may not be very populated but it has some of the gentlest people that I've met...at least for you he chuckles and continues to drink, he probably stayed a while without water

I see... Well, I'm just doing as my forefathers would have wished. You see, this village was named after my family, they founded this village centuries ago, it was a big village. But... -She looks down in anger, clenching her fists- Monsters started appearing, they attacked the village, forcing everyone to run away. Which is why I must warn you, although there has been less attacks the past few weeks, this place is still dangerous. If you want to leave now, I won't stop you. Although I'd advise you to stay the night, who knows what danger you'll encounter at night?

he laughs, trying to reassure you with his gaze aah so that's what those things were in the woods nearby, I just thought that they were local fauna. He gets up and bows towards you, both playfully that with elegance as a way to repay your hospitality let me help you and your people; as long that I'm here you have my sword, and my promise that I'll do whatever I can to try and defend you. And I've just gotten here! I bet that there is so much more to see in Lumina, I can't be bothered by what could happen am I right?

-She looks at you, bewildered by your response- A-are you sure? These monsters are not just boars.. Or tigers... They are creatures, dangerous creatures. Some even possess magic, even if you're willing, are you sure you can handle such monsters? Just so you can stay here?

he doesn't seem bothered, but he smiles even more Well what's the point to have a fancy sword and knowing how to use it, if you don't use it for good? I'm not saying that I am some kind of super-soldier you know; I almost croaked fighting one of those monsters, thank the gods that they didn't attack me in group, but as I said before: let me help you Tsuki Lumina and I'll try my best...if that means that I can have a tub filled with hot water he explodes in laughter, probably something that this village isn't accustomed to for too much time sadly

-She stares at you with a blank expression on her face. Such a strange man, she thought to herself. Of all the people she has met, she has never met such a character. She smiles before getting up- Very well then, I'll be happy to have you onboard. I'll have to discuss your duties with Eliot tomorrow. So for tonight, just take it easy. -She extends an arm towards you, offering you a handshake-

he shakes your hand vigorously don't need to tell me twice. Also I just need some hay to rest, don't need anything fancy, and i don't want to be a burden to your village when you touch his hand a shiver runs through your back, like a draft of air is blowing on your neck

-She shivers in response to your touch, pulling her hand away- Ahem. -She clears her throat- Hay? Only the farm animals sleep on that. We have plenty of beds available for guests, besides, you're not a guest anymore aren't you? With that said, there isn't a spare house available, instead I shall have you live with me until I get the necessary materials to build yours. The guest room is just beside the bathroom. Let me show you. -She leads you around her house, the wood creaking with each step. The guest room is filled with a single bed. You can tell that it has been a long time since it was last used, yet it still remains clean and tidy, although very empty- You can leave your belongings here, I believe I offer you a warm bath... -She gently smiles-

owe you*

Hey don't knock it until you tried it, expecially in a night full of stars he chuckles and pass a hand through his head looking at the room it's more than I could've asked, thank you Tsuki. He puts his bags and weapons on the floor and he stretch his shoulder finally I can stop feeling guilty about stenching you're house. I swear that I'm alot cleaner...If I can find a source of water

Relax, it's not a big deal. -She leads you into the bathroom, it has everything you would need - a bathtub, and of course a toilet. She walks over to the bathtub- Well usually we have running water, but since it'll take too long and I'll have dinner to prepare.. -She places both arms above the bathtub, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath- Create.... water... -She softly whispers, before a small magic circle appears between her hands, hot water spilling out from it and filling the bathtub. Once it's filled the magic circle closes- Well, take your time. I'll prepare dinner for you then you can rest for the night. You'll have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. -She says as she walks away, leaving you to yourself-

he looks amazed at your magic and gives you a smile should have known that you were a mage...there is a certain spark in your eyes he nods thankfully as you walk away. After a while that you're cooking, Akira joins you in the kitchen phew, really needed that you can hardly believe that he was the same person as before. He has shaved his beard so the sky-blue of his eyes and the white of his teeth shine even more when he smiles. He put on a white clean shirt along as some brown pants and his hair aren't completely dried off couldn't resist, there is a delicious smell coming from here; need any help?

No, I'm just finishing up. You took quite a long time in the shower after all. Please take a seat at the table, dinner will be ready soon.

the rumbling of his stomach betray his excitement, but he looks around before taking a seat I didn't see anyone else in here, do you live alone Tsuki?

Hmm... I do, my father passed away a few years ago, and I became the village chief by succession. -She walks over to the table setting down 2 bowls and two sets of cutlery, before walking to the kitchen and bringing out a pot, its delicious aroma filling the room. She sets the pot in the middle of the table, before removing the lid. Her favorite dish, beef stew with all sorts of vegetables, carrots and onions, she takes your bowl and fills it up with the delicious stew, before filling her own bowl and taking a seat- Eat up, while it's hot. -She says before starting to slowly enjoy her food-

Condolences for your loss and your position, I know that it isn't easy having the lives of others on your shoulders- his speech gets interrupted by your stew, wich he devours like it's his last meal ...and I'm sorry that there wasn't anyone who could have enjoyed your delicious cooking; trust me, it's one of the best meal that I had in just a few minutes his bowl is empty and totally clean, like there wasn't any food in the beginning

-She stares at you, once again your behavior completely catching her off guard- Well... -She softly says, before clearing her throat again- Well... It's okay, it is my job as a Lumina to ensure this village's safety and prosperity. -She glances at your empty bowl- There's still more stew in the pot if you're hungry, I prepared extra, and I'm glad that you love it. -She says while continuing to eat her food-

he doesn't restrain himself and his bowl returns to being filled to the top I know that I don't have a cruble of bon-ton; but if something is good why keep yourself to having what your heart wants? Or gut in this case he chuckles continuing to eat voraciously ... it's good to have power and use it for the others, it's a lesson that took me a while to learn you know? *For a glimpse his jolly aura vanishes, remembering the past, but your cooking makes him return to the present, and his tasty meal"

-She chuckles at your horrible joke- Well then, why don't you tell me more about yourself, Akira? I must admit, you're quite an amusing person. I would love to hear some of your stories. -She says as she finishes her meal, placing her utensils on the table, quietly waiting your response-

Alright, can't turn down a request from the woman that welcomed me into her house he gets a little serious, swallows his last bite of stew and clears his throat unlike you, I didn't come from a family, more like I have never met them as I grew up in an orphanage. A fun thing about me is that I was always strong, as far as I can remember, and since there wasn't really much to do I trained day and night to become stronger. When the officials came in there they immediately scout me out, and send me to fight as a soldier, the youngest reclute in the history of my nation actually at the beginning he even smiled remembering his early childhood, but the more of the army and his country's elite appeared in his story, the bitter his expression becomes

Oh.. I'm sorry to hear that.. -She continues to listen to your story, noticing the sadness in your eyes, she speaks up- Sorry, if it pains you, there's no need to force yourself. We can always talk about it another time..

Oh it's nothing a sad smile appear on his face and I'm still here, so it can't be that bad right? He giggles, and his expression slightly changes, returning to his usual smile; perhaps to not make you feel sad as I was saying; not only I was the youngest reclute, but I started to rank along our social ladder, always the youngest of that group. It turns out that not only I'm strong but I'm also smart! He gets closer to you to whisper in your ear ...but I don't believe them... He starts laughing before returning to his story in the end I became the first non-noble officer, because you see, if didn't have blue blood you didn't matter from where I belong. So of course the nobility hated my guts, looking at me with jealousy and disgust... That and because I realized that even the commoners where human beings, and I started to treat them like that, in life and battle alike

I see... -She returns your smile- So I take it you left that horrible place? Well, I would have done the same, and you don't have to worry about such things. In this village we treat everyone like family, and now that you're one of us, you're just as good as family to me now. -She gets up from her seat, walking over towards you, giving you a gentle hug. Her head leaning into your chest- It's alright now, you can feel at home here... -She softly whispers-

he caresses your head, while wrapping his arm around your back see? I told you that my story wasn't so bad...if it has gotten me in here. You're are a good person Tsuki you know that? The villagers are lucky to have you... But I guess that I should consider myself lucky too I guess at the beginning his hands are cold and chilly, but as the both you stay still in your hug his skin becomes warm like Sirocco

Mmm... -She blushes softly as you caress and praise her, smiling to herself as she enjoys the warm embrace for a few more moments before breaking away- I'm glad too... Perhaps our meeting today isn't a coincidence... Perhaps.... -Her eyes drift away for a moment before returning to you- Well, it's getting late now. You should return to your room and rest, I'll handle the cleanup. See you tomorrow, Akira. -She says before turning away and starting to clean up-

he grabs another broom and starts cleaning with you no way miss....you just said that I'm family right? Well even if I didn't have one I know what families do: help eachother. I really want to help Tsuki, I believe that Lumina deserves it, it's inhabitants and chief alike he refuses to let you clean alone. And even if you don't say much, you enjoy each other's company, in something as simple as brushing the floor

Fine.. But don't complain to me if you're tired tomorrow... -She lets you sweep the floor as she brings the bowls and cutlery back into the kitchen, quickly washing them up and cleaning up the kitchen. After awhile, it's done. Everything was as clean as you remembered when you first entered. She brings you back to your room again, allowing you to rest, and before you know it, it's morning again and you are awakened by a knock on your door- Akira? Wake up. It's morning. -You hear Tsuki's voice coming through the door-

Akira was already up when you call him, and he opens the door ready to work you don't know how much I missed a bed, it's been ages. Well now I'm rested and ready for everything! What can I do, chief? He chuckles and stretches his back

-She shoots you her usual blank expression- Well first, breakfast. -She brings you back to the table, where toasted bread and a cup of warm milk has been prepared. Unlike last night, we don't have the luxury to chit-chat. Once you're finished eating, we're leaving. -She says as she takes a seat, and not long after finishing the bread and milk-

Don't worry, we can always talk later... if you want he eats as quickly as last night, leaving his plate empty as always

Well then.. -She takes the plates, bringing it back to the kitchen and washing it before leading you towards the door, putting on her cloak and her hat, before taking her staff with her- Let's go. -She opens the door, leading you out into the village, as you follow her, the villagers warmly greet the both of you. Eventually you reach another part of the village, with a sign that says "The Village Hall". You both walk in, and you see Eliot sitting on the table-

-He stands up as he sees the both of you- Good morning. -He waves, before taking his seat-

-She waves back at Eliot, before bringing Akira to the table, as you both take a seat- Well then, I have some news for you Eliot.

Oh? Do tell, village chief.

Well... Akira here has decided he'd like to help us, and will be staying with us from now on. He will temporarily stay in my house until we manage to build that inn we always wanted. In the meantime, I'll leave him to you, I have other matters to attend to. -She gets up and pats Akira's shoulder- Well, I'll take my leave now. Eliot here will show you the ropes. I'll see you again tonight. -She smiles and walks away, leaving the two of you to yourselves.-

Alright, I understand. -He stands up, watching the village chief walk away, before turning to Akira- Well then, my name is Eliot. Hope we'll get along, Akira. -He extends his hand, offering a handshake-

Akira returns the handshake, patting Eliot's back with his other hand The feeling is mutual! Well, unfortunately I'm not a carpenter, so you can't really count on my help for the inn. But Tsuki told me that you're having problems with monsters right? I may be a little more helpful in this topic

Sure, take a seat. I'll explain to you. -He sits across you, straightening his back- Well, I'm not sure if the village chief has told you, but this village has been under attack from monsters for as long as we can remember. Our goal here is to get rid of these monsters, and bring this village back into the big village it once was. But the task won't be easy. As for now, we have split the work into 3 groups. Farmers, gatherers and hunters. I'm sure there's no need for me to explain the first two, but the last one, the hunters, I'll explain to you. The hunters were originally just meant to hunt wildlife for food, but now we also hunt monsters and defend this village. Do you understand so far?

Crystal clear he listens carefully to your words, and you can see Akira concentrating what can you tell me about the village's defence? Also do you have a map? It would be easier for me since I don't know the zone well

The village map should be with the village chief. Unfortunately, resources are scarce and we are trying to conserve as much as we can. As for now, take it easy. We won't expect everything on the first day. First, let me explain to you some of the people you should know. Each of the group has a leader in charge. And the leaders will report to the village chief herself at the end of each day. The leader of the farmers is Ayden. He's a funny fellow, but he's good at what he does. Thanks to him we haven't had a food shortage for years. Next will be Hina, she's the leader of the gatherers. She's a demi-human, so she's perfect for the job. She's a lovely girl, but don't let her looks fool you. She's actually quite strong. Last but not least, the leader of the hunters, that would be me. I'm in charge of the defense of the village as well as training some of our men. Any questions?

Seems like a united group. You guys are really clever, because I don't see a lot of structural damage. And you did a really good job for the farmers, usually in a siege like this food is the critical component. Well since I'm talking with the big hunter himself, what can you tell me about this monsters? I fought a couple of them but didn't really have the time to analyze them

Of course. -He brings out a small notebook and hands it over to you, it has sketches of many types of creatures, with a colour symbolizing how strong they are. Green being easy, yellow being caution, orange being do not fight it alone, red being danger, do not fight, and black being do not fight, at all cost. There only seems to be one creature under the black category though, a strange being with four arms- There used to be many, but for some reason over this year we've been seeing lesser and lesser. But of course, we remain on guard. We'll never know what will happen. But before that, I'd like to talk about what you can do. I know that you wield a blade, but if you prefer working on the farms or gathering herbs in the forest, we won't stop you.

Hey I'm not that old! He laughs giving Eliot a friendly slap on his back ...I wasted my whole life fighting for a cause that wasn't mine. I have the skills though, so I want to use them to protect Lumina he's referring to the village and his chief at the same time, trying to hide his smile and I can also help in the organization of the Village's defense. He scratch his chin looking at your notes so the attacks have diminished, that's a good thing I guess. Do this things have a nest? Do they attack fromea specific part of the village?

-He smiles- That's good to hear, but as you can see, our village seems to lie on the edges of the forest, and we've never ventured too deep into the forest. There's too much risk, but rest assured, the village chief is planning something, a barrier to keep out the monsters. Unfortunately looks like it will take much longer before such a barrier can be created. In the meantime, it will be up to us hunters to defend the village. Why don't you give me some of your suggestions?

Mhh, I'll have a talk with Hina to see how much materials do we have. And I also need to know how many hunters do we have he sits on the ground, starting to sketch a map with the tip of his knife we can send some of the expert hunters to form a small exploration squad, to investigate and investigate only; we know too little about this creatures and as they say: knowing is only half of the battle. Regarding the defenses if we do not dispose too much material to build a complete barricade I say that we reinforce only the weaker and critical points, like where the people live. Let's give this monsters only one direction to attack us, so we can put the rest of the hunters to defend that spot as Akira sketches and talks he seems like a commander, talking to his battalion. He knows what he's talking about, he had done this before. But fortunately the warrior is to busy to realize this comparison, and the only thing that appears on his face is a determined smile

(Heya people hope you enjoy your game😘

)

(hi, hoping the same thing ^^)

(good morning meru!)

(Meow uwu)

(Hey nagu and cassy)

I see... -Eliot quietly listens to you, soon becoming engrossed in your explanations, as though mesmerized by your words. He pulls out another notebook and starts jotting down your ideas. Completely amazed at such ingenuity. The discussion carries on, as he further explains about the hunters, how many are there, the weapons they use, and you soon realize that much work needs to be done. But that will be for another day. Soon enough the sun starts to set, as Eliot looks up, completely amazed- Wow... I just felt like I was talking to the chief of the army or something... Hearing your words, it almost seems as though these monsters will no longer be a threat... but it's getting late now. I will hold a meeting with the hunters tomorrow, and then bring up your ideas to the village chief eventually. You've done enough for today, you should return home and rest for the night. I will see you again tomorrow. -He gets up and smiles, patting your shoulder before returning to his own home. You start to walk back to Tsuki's home, or could it be considered your home now? No matter. Once again, the villagers warmly greet you as you walk back. Eventually you reach Tsuki's home, and once again the familiar aroma fills your nostrils as you walk in-

Welcome home, Akira! Dinner will be ready soon, please take a seat!

(welcome everyone)

You flatter me too much kid. I can't promise much, except for some knowledge and some hope he returns to the house with a satisfied grin, that changes into a full smile when he sees Tsuki... and smells the food I'm beginning to think that you're spoiling me with all of this delicious food. His eyes gently watch you as you cook, mesmerized by it you have such good inhabitants in here couldn't have expected any less. But how was your day?

-Shortly after you take your seat, she walks over with the pot, filling your bowl with the same delicious beef stew, but this time there seems to be more ingredients inside, as she fills her own bowl and sits across you- Well I'm glad you enjoy the village. I was busy with my research, I trust Eliot has treated you with hospitality?

Oh yes he talks with his mouth full he explained everything to me and we exchanged some ideas on how to organize the hunters and the defenses. He lifts his eyebrows, looking at you with curiosity and what do you research?

Well, mostly research on magic. I plan to create a barrier to protect the village. That way we could live in peace, and not have to be afraid of monsters suddenly attacking us. But, how did you find Eliot? I hope everything went well, he could be quite hot headed at times, but deep down he really cares about everyone... -She smiles as she continues to eat-

Well then it's going to surprise you, because he listened and agreed to every word I said... He scratches his head ...maybe a little too much. I must admit that it felt kinda good being looked like that. But he remainded my days as an officer he becomes sad and lowers his eyes, but when he lifts his gaze your eyes meet and his usual smile returns on his face, along as some red on his cheeks ...but this time I liked it... because I liked what I was doing...and for who I was doing it

-Her eyes meet yours, as you share an intimate moment, staring into each other's eyes. Her face turning slightly red, as she looks away and smiles- W-well... That makes me glad... -She softly replies, before returning to finishing her food. The two of you sharing another night together, talking about your old stories, about your experiences. Soon enough the both of you retire to your rooms for the night. The road forward will be long and tough, but the two of you will walk it together, along with the rest of the villagers. Tsuki smiles as she lay in her bed. Thinking about your meeting her, her heart skipping a beat as she thinks of you. A new hope fills her, perhaps, the plan to rebuild the village isn't impossible after all... She thinks as she falls soundly asleep, waiting for the sun to rise again-

(And we finish here ^^)

(thank you everyone for watching, hope you enjoyed!)

(hope you enjoyed it, well goodbye for now :3)